🇳🇱 The Hague – Where Royal Elegance Meets Seaside Cool

Often overlooked in favor of Amsterdam, The Hague (Den Haag) is a city of unexpected contrasts — royal palaces and surfboards, Vermeer masterpieces and street art, embassies and beach clubs. It’s the kind of place where you can tour a museum in the morning and have your feet in the sand by afternoon.

📍 Where Is The Hague?
Located on the western coast of the Netherlands, The Hague is just 50 minutes by train from Amsterdam and 30 minutes from Rotterdam. It’s easy to reach and even easier to fall in love with.

🏛️ What Is The Hague Known For?
The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands and the seat of the Dutch monarchy — but it’s far from stiff. The city is known for:
• The International Court of Justice (Peace Palace)
• Royal palaces and embassies
• World-class museums
• Its long sandy beach in Scheveningen
• A rich mix of architecture, from medieval to ultra-modern
It’s both sophisticated and surprisingly chill.

🎨 What to See and Do
🏰 Binnenhof & The Ridderzaal
The heart of Dutch politics — explore the Gothic courtyard, take a tour, or just admire the views over the Hofvijver lake.
🖼️ Mauritshuis Museum
Home to Girl with a Pearl Earring and other Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Small but spectacular.
🌍 Peace Palace
A symbol of international law and diplomacy. You can visit the visitor center or book a tour of the majestic interior.
🌊 Scheveningen Beach
Surf, stroll, or sip cocktails with your toes in the sand. The pier has a Ferris wheel and bungee jumping for the brave.
🔍 Street Art in The Hague
From giant murals to hidden alley pieces — the city has a vibrant and growing urban art scene.

🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink
The Hague is a melting pot of flavors, reflecting its international population.
• Little V – Modern Vietnamese with lush decor and bold cocktails
• Bøg – Elegant Nordic cuisine, seasonal and surprising
• Simonis aan de Haven – The go-to spot for fresh seafood by the water
• De Resident – A cozy pub for Dutch classics and good beer
And don’t leave without trying haring (raw herring) like a local!

⏰ Practical Tips for Visiting
• 🚲 Rent a bike — it’s the Dutch way
• 🏨 Stay central to be close to both culture and coast
• 🎫 Museums often have combo tickets or free days — check online
• 🚋 Trams are efficient and easy to use for reaching Scheveningen
• 💬 English is widely spoken, so don’t worry about language barriers

✨ Why Visit The Hague?
Because it’s the Netherlands — with a twist. In The Hague, you can step into a Vermeer painting, walk past royalty, hear 10 languages on the street, and watch the sun set into the North Sea — all in a single day. If you’re looking for a city that’s cultured, coastal, and full of surprises, The Hague delivers.

#westerneurope